Page 66 of Viking Ink

“Yeah, that was the last number he had. I’ve not spoken to him in months, but he’s not the sort to change his phone number all that often,” Rhys said, looking up. He gave me a tired smile and patted the empty spot alongside him in invitation. I sat next to him, passing the brews out, then wrapped an arm around Rhys, feeling his body relax against me.

“And you think he can back up these accusations? Any others who can give accounts of what’s happened will strengthen your case, and the accusations about your father misusing his position on the force should be easy to prove if we can get some witnesses,” Donald said.

I was starting to rethink my opinion of the copper. I’d not had much to do with him since he’d moved into the area taking over from our previous bobby. I’d always gotten the impression he was one of those stuffed shirts that followed the letter of the law and didn’t look at the human equation. I’d also thought he was a bit of a bully, especially after his first interactions with Rhys. But the way he was handling Rhys now, with calm and kindness, had me starting to think I’d misjudged the man.

“Would your grandad be willing to stand up in court against your father?”

Rhys nodded emphatically. “He’s been wanting to stop my dad ever since he first got caught up in this. At first he just wanted Dad to see sense, but ever since more came out about what was happening at the farm, with Dad and my stepmother funnelling church money into their own private accounts, he’s been trying to get the authorities to take his complaints seriously.”

Donald sipped his tea, nodding slowly at what Rhys said. “Why’d they never take his complaints seriously before?”

Rhys sat forward, his expression pensive. “Grandad and I have a theory that Dad’s got someone feeding him information, letting him know when Social were going to come visit. Whenever they would show up when I was younger, I was always sent off to the pastor for the day, or supervised if they wanted to talk to me.”

Tapping his pencil against his pad again, Donald pursed his lips. “I know a DI who works for the Warwickshire PD. He might be able to help us, keep things on need to know. I’ll let him know about the possibility of someone slipping information to your dad.”

“You can do that?” Rhys leaned forward, clutching his mug.

Donald rubbed at his cheek, smiling. “Yeah. Malcolm owes me a favour or two, and if it will help get your dad behind bars I’m happy to call in those favours.”

Rhys leaned back against me, letting out a slow breath. “I just want this over with. I don’t want to be looking over my shoulder all the time, worried that he’s finally found me.” I

pulled him closer to me. Rubbing my hand along his shoulder, I could feel the tension in his muscles. I jiggled my leg, hoping we’d be done soon, Rhys needed some down time and some cuddles, and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t need that too.

Donald looked over at me and smiled. “A few more questions and I’ll be out of your hair. I can see Simon’s champing at the bit to fuss over you.”

“Yeah, I’m feeling pretty knackered to be honest. It wasn’t how I’d planned on my day going.” Rhys slumped further against me.

“Just a few more questions, and then I’ll wrap it up. You said in your statement that both your stepmother and father physically abused you. I hate to have to dig this up, but do you have any proof of these allegations? Photos, doctors’ visits? Anything that can show a pattern of abusive behavior?”

“My old doctor back home had my notes. He’s the one who originally called for an investigation after he saw the scars on my back. But dad and his clergy started a whisper campaign, spreading rumours, and he ended up leaving the village.” Rhys made a defeated sound. I pulled him into my arms, wanting to protect him and lend him my strength.

“All’s not lost, lad. Give me his name and I’ll get Malcolm onto him as well. Anything that can help us won’t be overlooked,” Donald said with certainty.

“You’re pretty invested in this, Donald. You looking to earn copper of the year?” I joked half-heartedly. Donald flashed a smile and shrugged.

“When Rhys and I met, I was a bit of a wanker, and I still feel bad about that, but that isn’t the reason I’m doing this. Men like his father and this pastor are a stain on their professions, and an affront to everything I believe in. You’re a good, kind man, Rhys, and the fact anyone would do this to you and others like yourself, well. I’ll be honest, it pisses me off. I’ve got a badge, and I have the Constabulary behind me, and I’m going to make sure those fuckers get what’s coming to them.”

While Rhys wrote down the details of his old family doctor, I got up and found my phone. There was a text from Mitch waiting when I opened it. He’d taken Rhys’s guitar and earnings from his busking and left them in the back room of the tattoo parlour. I’d go down later and pick it up.

There was another text from Callum saying he’d rescheduled the two appointments I’d had, and I was free for the rest of the afternoon. I sent a silent thank you to whatever gods kept watch over worried Daddies. I could spend the rest of the day looking after my boy.

Donald was wrapping it up when I walked back into the room. Both he and Rhys were standing, shaking hands. “Look Rhys, I can’t promise how things are going to go, but I’m going to try my hardest, and I’ll get a message through to your grandad.”

“That would be great. Please let him know I’m okay, and that once things settle down I’ll call him,” Rhys said, looking a little more relaxed than he had.

“I can do that. Did you want me to give him your number, or hold off for a bit?” Donald headed towards the door as he spoke, with Rhys following behind.

“Maybe hold off. I don’t want Dad getting his people to go round to his and start pressuring him for a phone number. Thanks to Susan seeing me, he’s going to know I’m here.” Rhys let out a loud breath.

I was worried that this would all prove too much and Rhys would bolt, seeking safety in the anonymity of living on the streets again. The thought caused my guts to twist uncomfortably.

A warmth enveloped my hand and I looked down to see Rhys had linked hands with mine. His touch revitalized my spirits.

I opened the front door to let Donald out, and he turned and spoke to Rhys. “I’ll call when I have news. And please, be careful. We don’t know what will happen if your dad catches wind of us being onto him, okay?”

“You don’t need to worry about that. I’m not letting him out of my sight.” I glanced down at Rhys and saw him narrow his eyes, but he kept silent. Still, I was sure I’d hear about it once Donald had left.

“I don’t doubt it for a second. Okay guys, try to have a good night, and I’ll be in touch soon.” As soon as Donald was out the door I closed it with a relieved sigh. I turned to face Rhys. He tugged my hand, leading me back into the sitting room.

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